Month: July 2024

Perfectionism Clogs the Gears

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

Today’s meditation was skipped.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🌱    •    ◈    •    •    •

Cryptid Creatures Tarot and It’s Going To Be Okay 2024 Day-to-day Calendar By Kate AllanToday’s card is the Wheel of Fortune (Tailypo) combined with the affirmation “You can do the thing!”

Let go of the need for perfection . You have have better things to do with your time.

When you focus too hard on perfection, it slows you down and keeps you from completing tasks that could easily be done much quicker with a little more tolerance for everything not being “just right”.  Why waste your time with these tiny details when no one will care one way or another, or even notice for that matter… including -you- if it wasn’t you doing the work!

Just do it and get it done with out the obsessing, and then instead of wasting time on something you’re not really enjoying, you can move on to something that you will.

DECK USED: CRYPTID CREATURES TAROT AND IT’S GOING TO BE OKAY 2024 DAY-TO-DAY CALENDAR BY KATE ALLAN

#DiscordTarotholicsJul2024 Challenge Prompt
Prompt for July 31: Grab a spread of your choice that you’ve been curious about… and give it a go!

Summer Oracle Reading with the Wing Hoof and Paw Oracle

Flowers – What is flourishing in your life right now?

Muskrat – Thanks to the end of month reading that you did earlier in the week, you are paying far more attention to the world around you. You are alert and aware, and working at preserving clarity of sight and mind. Vigilance and awareness of what’s going on around you is extremely important at the moment, and you’re doing well with it.

Sun – Where you’re shining your brightest this summer.

Prairie Dog – You are doing better at showing your emotions and sharing them with those that you love than you have done in quite some time. Last year, due to circumstances beyond your control, you had to shut yourself down and everyone suffered. You are beginning to open back up now.

Stars – What needs released to shine even brighter?

Deer – It’s hard to believe that you’re not going to have a repeat experience of what happened last year. You need to set down your distrust in the universe and it’s whims, and allow things to flow smoothly once more. Stop bracing for the next blow to come raining down on you.

Bees – Where to focus your energy to get things done?

Springbok – Revisit those things that you really enjoy, and allow them to help spark your creativity and enthusiasm. You have the extra time at the moment to spend some time having fun. Make sure you take advantage of that time instead of wasting it.

Bonfires – Embers to stir up for a brighter future.

Swan – Make sure that you were giving yourself credit where credit is due. You are enough, even when those negative whispers in your head make it seem like you’re not. This is something you need to work on reminding yourself of on the regular.

DECK USED: WING HOOF AND PAW ORACLE

Daily Self Kindness

I mixed the rest of the Froot Loops in with the Trix cereal. It’s a really good combo that I enjoy.

📆 Transitioning from July to August

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

Month End Oracle Reading with the Wild Spirit Animal Oracle

Here and Now I Exist – Who you are now, in your entirety.

Penguin – Remember not to close yourself off to the emotional support of others. There’s a video out there of a waddle of penguins shuffling together over ice. One of them falls and they all seem to go “daaaamn” together while the other then makes a sound that sounds an awful lot like “FUCK!” Take a lesson from this penguin, and accept others efforts to show empathy with grace.

The Slough – What is to be left in the past as you move forward.

Crow – Now is not the time for new projects. If you are feeling inspired? Write it down for posterity. For right now, go with what you know instead of chasing potential.

What Lies Ahead – An ideal state or ideal self you are seeking at this time.

Frog – That opportunity to pursue the potential of your inspiration and ideas is coming. Although now is not the time, remember that that won’t always be the case.

Limitations – Negative influences, opposition, or ill will.

Cow – Don’t trust others to know what you need and provide it for you. It’s far more important to tend to your own needs. No one has better insight to what you need than you yourself, so stop ignoring these things and expecting others to catch you before the self-neglect goes too far.

The Boon – Positive influences, higher guidance, or divine intervention.

Bat – Taking a step back to look over situations fully is going to be important in the weeks ahead. Don’t react impulsively, but instead take a breath and a pause first. Sort out what’s really going on, then act.

The Wound – An unpleasant past experience or event that is ripe for some support and healing.

Beetle – It’s time to examine the desperate grasping reactions you’ve had to change in the past, and begin exploring different ways you can let go and go with the flow, trusting that you won’t be crushed in the process.

Nostalgia – A positive past experience or event to acknowledge, reflect upon, and enjoy.

Dove – Take some time this month to reflect upon how freeing it feels to let go of blame and guilt.

A Warning – Something coming that can be prevented or overcome.

Fox – There is deception afoot. Make sure that you are paying attention and not being manipulated into situations you don’t need to be a part of. Such distractions, if allowed to go unchecked, may lead to them taking from you those things you value.

Empowerment – A future opportunity to work toward.

Owl – If you take care to pay attention (Fox) and take a step back to more closely examine the situation and those involved (Bat), you can move though this month’s difficulties with wisdom and grace, and with your own priorities in the fore.

Message from the Spirit World – Tread with caution moving forward into the month ahead. You need to work observing the world around you with clarity and making sure to pay close attention to other’s motivations and perspectives. It’s only when you take the time to see the whole picture that you’ll be happy with your choices.

Message from the Mind’s World – Lots of inspiration is coming your way. Although the reading above indicates that now might not be the best time to -act- on these new ideas and inspiration, that doesn’t mean they’re not of value.  Make sure to jot them down so that you can explore then more in depth when the time is right.

Message from the Physical World – Pay attention to your body’s needs. Emotions can cause you to shut down and that inner narrative often leads to self-neglect and punishment.  Instead of falling into these bad habits from the past, look at how those emotions are affecting you and make a conscious choice to take care of yourself regardless of the urges they bring to the surface.

Other elements included in this reading:
Pansy flowers for Self-Kindness and Tender Emotions
Cedar cleansing stick for Protection and Cleansing
Green Aventurine for Releasing Old Patterns
Gneiss Wishing Stone for Patience in Unpleasant Situations
Selenite for Purification and drawing in Positive Energy

DECKS USED: WILD SPIRIT ANIMAL ORACLE

Finding the Positive for July 28 – 30

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

The Soulscape Tarot, Messages from the Woods Oracle, Starline Tarot, Forest Friends Cards, and It’s Going To Be Okay 2024 Day-to-day Calendar By Kate Allan

July 28 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🌱    •    ◈    •    •    •

Today’s card is the Wheel of Fortune combined with the affirmation “You are out here trying, and that is absolutely good enough.”

Confession.  I am a control freak.  Yes.  I am.  And the absolute frustration that comes with -not- being able to control some aspects of my life that I want to is one of the hardest things in life for me to accept.  Emotions. Triggers. Flashbacks. Unexpected roadblocks and obstacles. Unpleasant surprises.

These things drive me absolutely crazy because I cannot control them even in instances when they may not involve -anyone- other than myself. I don’t want to control others, I just want to control myself and my life to a degree that is (in rational moments, I admit) not just unreasonable to expect but actually impossible to accomplish.

Today’s affirmation and card combo is a reminder that you can’t control the world around you, only yourself and your reactions to it. You can’t control your emotions, only how you react to them and what you -do- with them. Do you let it set you off kilter? Or do you go along for the ride with grace? It’s a choice.

I’m personally not very good at gracefully going along with the flow in these instances. But… I’m trying, and that has to be enough.

DECK USED: THE SOULSCAPE TAROT AND IT’S GOING TO BE OKAY 2024 DAY-TO-DAY CALENDAR BY KATE ALLAN

July 29 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was

•    •    •    ◈    •    🌱    •    ◈    •    •    •

Today’s cards are the Deer card combined with the Bear Hugs hugs card.

The message in today’s cards is that life cannot be work work work all the time. Everyone needs rest to function… even you. Don’t feel guilty for taking time to yourself when you need it. When you do so, you show that you are giving yourself the same kind of love and understanding, balance and stability that you provide so easily for others.

DECK USED: MESSAGES FROM THE WOODS CARDS AND IT’S FOREST FRIENDS CARDS BY TIJANA LUKOVIC

July 30 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🌱    •    ◈    •    •    •

Today’s card is the Ace of Wands combined with the affirmation “You’re still a good  you, even while you’re not feeling like yourself.”

Honestly? I’ve been dead tired today. I only managed to get about two hours sleep last night, and it clearly wasn’t enough.  Between that and the drive north, it’s been a rough one for me.

Today’s cards are a reminder that even on rough days, your passions and inspirations remain the same. You like the same foods, you’re interested in the same things, and you have the same passions. The cards encourage tapping into those enthusiasms during these times when you aren’t at your best, and allowing them to help ground you in yourself so that you don’t feel as much adrift from yourself and who you are as such days can cause you to feel.

DECK USED: STARLINE TAROT AND IT’S GOING TO BE OKAY 2024 DAY-TO-DAY CALENDAR BY KATE ALLAN

🌕 Full Moon in Capricorn – July 2024

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

Tomorrow is the full moon, and like all new moons and full moons, I did a spread aligned to the moon’s current themes as a part of my recognition of the moon’s cycle and influences upon us. Today’s spread is courtesy of @lightningwildflower.

Full Moon in Capricorn Tarot Reading with the Good Fortune Tarot

What long-term goal can you begin to work toward now?

Three of Cups – Wringing more fun and enjoyment out of life with others. Life doesn’t have to be so serious all the time, but should also be a celebration. It’s time to start working towards and stealing more fun into your life instead of always putting it off for later.

What is the first step in reaching this goal?

King of Pentacles – Own your time and your achievements, and signal to others that you are ready to save your life instead of just striving through it. Appreciate the stability you have earned, and stop worrying so much about it being ripped out from under you.

How can you take greater responsibility for your actions?

Eight of Cups – Instead of sticking around to own the responsibilities that are dragging you down or frustrating you, take a greater responsibility for your actions by walking away from those that don’t work instead of holding onto them.

What structures in your life will support your growth?

Ten of Cups – Remember that you already have happiness in your life and people around you that make you happy. You’re not reinventing the wheel here, but learning how to saver fun and happiness more.

Full Moon advice from the Minoan Goddess Amalthea.

The Lovers – The only way to make healthier choices for yourself is to remember to think through your actions rather than just falling into what’s easiest or most familiar.

DECK USED: GOOD FORTUNE TAROT

❤️ Self Care Saturday (On a Sunday)

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

Self Care Saturday Tarot Reading with The Magic of Tarot Deck and Happy Houseplants Oracle

These Saturday readings are (not usually) bearing in on any one thing or event in my life, as the question used is asking for a more general outlook. This is a self care exercise, and is not meant as a predictive reading… although that, too, happens on occasion.

The question is… What do I need to focus for self-care through the week ahead?

Earth – Six of Coins – Be generous with yourself this week. There is no reason to not be, and you need a little more of that self-kindness without the guilt of allowing it dragging on you.

Air – The Star – Make sure you are focusing on training your brain towards positivity and optimism instead of letting the stillness of quiet time drag you under. Balancing out those natural tendencies towards pessimism and negative inner self-talk is important.

Water – Ten of Coins – Take time to revel in your accomplishments and acknowledge the ways in which you support yourself and those close to you. You’ve created far more stability in your life and those around you than you give yourself credit for.

Fire – Temperance – Remember that it’s not time to dive back into the fray yet. This is your week off.

Waning – Calathea – Enjoy this time off while you have it. It won’t last forever and you need to remember that you are allowed periods of rest. Now is a perfect opportunity for that to happen.

Waxing – Dracaena – Focus on finishing your healing journey this week. You are getting over pneumonia, and it’s going to take time. More time than you think it should. You are still on the mend, so give yourself the space to do so fully.

Take Away – This reading is all about enjoying my days off instead of feeling guilty that I’m not working, and making sure that I stay on track with my efforts at leaning into positivity.  It is a reminder that my days off are meant to be a time of rest, recovery, and enjoyment. Not guilt and beating myself up for what I’m not getting done.

DECKS USED: THE MAGIC OF TAROT DECK AND HAPPY HOUSEPLANT CARDS

Finding the Positive for July 10 – 12

/ Twist the Leaf / Leave a comment

Mimit Tarot, Oracle of 11, Journey to Oz & Wonderland Tarot, and It’s Going To Be Okay 2024 Day-to-day Calendar By Kate Allan

July 10 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🌱    •    ◈    •    •    •

Today’s card is The Hanged Man combined with the affirmation “Small steps still count.”

Holy cuteness overload. 😂 These cards are a reminder that even though you’ve chosen to come up north and spend the night at Ms B’s so you can take her to her appointment today doesn’t mean you’re not still in the process of healing up from being sick.  Pneumonia takes time to recover from, and even though you have more energy and are getting better doesn’t mean you’re full on able to pick things up as if you’re completely healed.

Pause.  Take time.  Go slow.  Take breaks when you need them, naps when there’s opportunity, and give yourself a break whenever you get the chance.  Don’t push.

DECK USED: MIMIT TAROT AND IT’S GOING TO BE OKAY 2024 DAY-TO-DAY CALENDAR BY KATE ALLAN

July 11 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was skipped.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🌱    •    ◈    •    •    •

Today’s card is The Golden Island of Brunei combined with the affirmation “You’re not failing at being happy– you’re recovering from overwhelming stress. Please be patient and allow your mind some recovery time; this won’t last forever.”

From the Guide: “The Golden Island roamed the seas, seeking worthy communities to bless. Yet when those it granted boons forgot their kindness and became consumed with greed, it vanished, leaving them to decline.”

This story reminds me of the Fae, and the importance of consistency where building a relationship with them is concerned.  If you put out cream on your windowsill for the Fae, and do so consistently, they may come to bless you with their company and boons. But, if you forget or become inconsistent with your offerings, those boons may be taken away and the Fae you have been courting may become resentful.

Today’s cards are about gratitude, and most especially, consistency in one’s gratitude. Staying power is important when it comes to drawing in one’s blessings, as well as weathering the hard parts of life that come your way.  If you stop being grateful, the world looks darker, even though it’s not.  If you recognize your blessings for what they are and stay consistent in gratitude and positivity practices, the world looks brighter and lighter, even though it’s not.  It’s our perspective that changes when we put in consistent effort to be kind and grateful.  Which perspective would you rather live in?

DECK USED: ORACLE OF 11 AND IT’S GOING TO BE OKAY 2024 DAY-TO-DAY CALENDAR BY KATE ALLAN

July 12 – Mental Health Card of the Day

Today’s meditation was ten minutes long, and was one of the #DailyTrip sessions on the Calm app.  The session spoke about how there are two different “main” methods of meditation.  The “focused on a goal” meditation style, and the “doing nothing” meditation style.  This particular session focused on the “doing nothing” style and was about simply relaxing into the experience of the moment.

•    •    •    ◈    •    🌱    •    ◈    •    •    •

Today’s card is the Chariot card combined with the affirmation “Yes, the storm is back again, and it sucks. But, you aren’t alone out there, my friend.”

You know that phrase “team work makes the dream work”?  That’s what today’s cards bring to mind. Flying monkeys are an effective army not because they’re flying monkeys (although, that surely has something to do with it), but because they are an –army– of flying monkeys.

By the same turn?  You are not a survivor all alone and on your own.  You’re a member of a community, whether that community is a family,  part of a group of friends, or some other gathering of members that help and support each other.  And, it is through this connection with others that you are better able to weather the storms that life throws at you.

Could you do it alone?  Sure. Probably.  You don’t have to, though, and life’s that much easier when you accept help from others during the rough times than if you tried to handle it all on your own.

DECK USED: JOURNEY TO OZ & WONDERLAND TAROT AND IT’S GOING TO BE OKAY 2024 DAY-TO-DAY CALENDAR BY KATE ALLAN